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EC CONTROLLER ICON LEGEND
+
TEST
PRESET
SCHEDULES
OFF
AUTO
DATE/TIME
DAY CYCLE
SET MONTH
WATER DAY
PROGRAM START TIME
SET DAY
STATION RUN TIME
SET TIME
WATER
BUDGET
-
2
PROGRAM
BUTTON
ENTER
MANUAL CYCLE
MANUAL
STATION(S)
Ec Controller
CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................................... 4
Ec Controller ................................................................. 4
Controller Stations ......................................................... 5
What Is a Program? ........................................................ 5
Controller Basics .................................................... 6
Programming Under Battery Power .................................. 6
Installing the Battery ...................................................... 6
Diagnostic Circuit Breaker .............................................. 6
Controls and Indicators ................................................. 7
Programming Checklist ................................................. 8
Controller Programming Chart ........................................ 8
Programming the Controller ................................. 12
Erase Any Existing Programming .................................. 12
Set Year ...................................................................... 12
Set Month and Day ...................................................... 12
Set Time ..................................................................... 13
Select Pre-Set Schedules ............................................ 13
Select Program (A, B, and/or C) ................................... 14
Set Watering Day Cycle ................................................ 14
Ec Controller
Set Watering Days ....................................................... 15
Set Program Start Time(s) ............................................ 16
Delete Program Start Time(s) ........................................ 16
Set Station Run Times ................................................. 17
Operating the Controller ....................................... 17
Off Mode ..................................................................... 17
Auto Mode .................................................................. 18
Adjust Water Budget .................................................... 18
Manually Run Stations and Programs ........................... 19
Run a Test Program ...................................................... 20
Installing the Controller ........................................ 21
Choose a Proper Location ............................................ 21
Mount the Controller .................................................... 22
Connect Main Power Wires ........................................... 22
Connect Field Wires to Remote Control Valves .............. 22
Troubleshooting ................................................... 24
Have a question, problem, or comment? In the United States, call
Rain Bird Technical Assistance at 800-247-3782. Outside the
United States, call your Rain Bird dealer.
© 2000 Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
® Registered trademark of Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
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WARNING: A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR CUTOFF SWITCH
IS TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FIXED WIRING TO ISOLATE
THE CONTROLLER.
INTRODUCTION
MEMORY IS RETAINED BY A BATTERY WHICH IS TO BE
DISPOSED OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL REGULATIONS.
Thank you for purchasing a Rain Bird Ec irrigation system
controller. This manual shows how to install, program, and
operate your controller. Please read these instructions carefully
and keep this manual in a handy place for future reference.
CAUTION ICONS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electronic shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.
Ec Controller
The Rain Bird Ec is a compact, easy-to-use controller that
offers the following features:
• Three programs, with independent watering days
• Up to four watering start times per program
• Option to set any day of the week as a watering day
• Water budgeting feature across all programs
• Battery backup to retain time, date, and programming
CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY TO EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES
Rain Bird declares that the Ec device, an irrigation controller, conforms to the 72/23/CEE European
Directives for electrical safety and to 89/336/CEE and 93/31/CEE concerning electromagnetic
compatibility. The applicable standards in accordance with the technical file are :
EN 60065 for electrical safety.
EN 50081-1 ed 92 for interference.
EN 50082-1 ed 92 for interference resistance.
The Ec type device is powered by 230V~,50Hz,
single phase.
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during power outages
• Three year warranty
Ec Controller
Controller Stations
DIAGRAM 1
The Rain Bird Ec controller is an electronic timer that controls
when your sprinkler system turns on, and how long the
sprinklers run.
Depending on the model, the Ec can control four, six, or nine
watering “stations.” A station is a series of sprinklers, or other
irrigation devices, connected to a common remote control
valve. When the valve receives a signal from the controller, the
valve opens and turns on the sprinklers connected to it.
You will need to understand the following terms to successfully
program your Ec controller.
• Watering day cycle — The period of days in which the
controller repeats the program you set. For example, a 7-day
cycle is a weekly schedule that repeats once every seven
days. A 2-day cycle repeats every other day.
• Watering days — The specific days within the watering
day cycle when watering takes place. In a 7-day cycle, you
may select multiple watering days within the cycle. For
example, you might water on day 1 (Monday), day 3
(Wednesday), and day 5 (Friday). In a 1- through 6-day
cycle, day 1 is always the only watering day. A 2-day cycle
waters on day 1, skips a day, and then waters again on day 1
as the cycle repeats. A 3-day cycle waters on day 1, skips 2
days, and then repeats.
This illustration shows a diagram of a station layout. Station 1
is currently watering. When station 1 finishes, the controller
shuts it off and turns on station 2. When station 2 finishes
watering, station 3 begins, and so on.
What Is a Program?
Programming is the process of telling the controller exactly
when and how long you want to water. The controller opens
and closes the remote control valves for each station according
to the program you set.
The Ec offers three independent programs; A, B, and C. Each
program controls from one to six stations, and lets you
customize your watering schedules to meet the needs of
different types of plants, soil conditions, slopes, shady or
sunny areas, etc.
Ec Controller
• Start time — This is the time, or times, the first station in
a program begins watering. All other stations in the program
then follow in sequence.
•
NOTE: The term ”start time” refers to the time the
program begins — not the time each individual
station begins to run.
Run time — The number of minutes that each station
runs.
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CONTROLLER BASICS
NOTE: Make sure the controller is connected to an
AC power supply when replacing the battery, or you
will lose all programming information including
date and time.
Programming Under Battery Power
If you wish, you can program the controller under battery
power. This feature can be useful if the controller is installed
in an area that is not readily accessible. This feature also
allows you to enter program information before installing the
controller at a job site.
To program the Ec controller under battery power, you must first
install the battery.
NOTE: To save battery power, the Ec goes into
“Sleep” mode after 40 seconds of inactivity on
the programming dial or buttons. Press any button
once to reactivate the controller.
Installing the Battery
DIAGRAM 2
The battery back-up feature retains time, date, and
programming information during power outages. The battery
also lets you program the controller under battery power
before it is connected to an AC power supply.
For best results, use a long-life, 9-Volt alkaline battery. A new
battery will normally provide power for up to one year. Replace
the battery yearly to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
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To install the battery:
1. Remove the controller’s lower access cover to expose the
battery compartment.
2. Snap the two-wire battery clip onto the terminals of the
new battery. If you are replacing an old battery, dispose of
the old battery properly.
3. Insert the new battery snugly into the battery
compartment.
4. Replace the lower access cover.
Diagnostic Circuit Breaker
DIAGRAM 3
If the Ec controller detects an electrical short circuit on one of
the sprinkler system’s station wires or valve solenoids, the
controller automatically shuts off the station with the fault. After
30 to 40 seconds, while it checks again to confirm the fault,
the controller advances to the next working station in the
program.
Ec Controller
Every three seconds, the LCD displays the problem station’s
number and the letters “Err.” The controller will continue to run
each operable station in the program. As each station is
running, the controller (at an alternate 3-second interval)
displays the working station’s number and run time remaining.
When the controller finishes the program, it will continue to
display the problem station’s number and the “Err” message.
After the program finishes, you should isolate and repair the
short circuit. Short circuits occur most frequently in the valve
solenoid (the plastic-encapsulated coil on the valve with the
two wire leads), or in the wire connectors to the valve leads.
After you find and repair the short circuit, turn the programming
dial to AUTO. Then press ENTER to clear the “Err” message
from the display. You may wish to operate the station manually
to make sure it works properly. (See “Manually Run a
Station(s)” on p. 19).
The LCD display shown in Diagram 3 indicates that the
controller has detected a short circuit on station 2.
Ec Controller
Controls and Indicators
DIAGRAM 4
This illustration shows the programming controls on the face
of the Ec controller. These controls include:
1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) — During normal
operation, displays the time of day and the programs that
will run today. During programming, shows the results of
your commands. During watering, shows the station that is
running, the minutes remaining in the station’s run time,
and whether another program is waiting to water.
2. + and - buttons — Set start times and days, and make
programming changes.
3. Programming dial — Turns the controller to OFF or
AUTO modes, and selects other programming functions.
4. PROGRAM button — Selects watering programs A, B,
or C.
5. ENTER button — Enters programming commands, and
starts manual operation.
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Programming Checklist
To program your Ec controller for the first time, we recommend
that you complete the steps in the order listed to the right.
❒ Fill out the Programming Chart ....................... p. 8
❒ Erase any existing programming ..................... p. 12
❒ Set the current year/month/day/time ............... p. 12
For each program:
A B C
❒ ❒ ❒ Select pre-set schedules .................. p. 13
❒ ❒ ❒ Select program (A, B and/or C) ......... p. 14
❒ ❒ ❒ Set the watering day cycle ................ p. 14
❒ ❒ ❒ Set the watering days ........................ p. 15
❒ ❒ ❒ Set the program start time(s) ............. p. 16
❒ ❒ ❒ Set the station run time(s) ................ p. 17
❒ Set the controller to automatic operation ........... p. 18
For your convenience, a check-off box (❐) is provided for
each step.
8
Controller Programming Chart
Before programming your Ec controller, fill out the
Programming Chart included with your controller. Then
program the controller in the order shown on the Programming
Checklist.
1. Select the watering day cycle you wish to use, and circle
the watering days within the cycle. In the example shown for
program A, the operator has chosen a 7-day watering cycle
and circled M, W, and F as watering days. This means that
program A will water every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
NOTE: If you plan to use only one program for
your watering needs, select program A.
2. For program B, the operator selected a 3-day watering
cycle. With these selections, program B will water once,
skip two days, and then water again on the first day of a new
three day cycle.
3. You may also choose three special watering day cycles that
do not require you to select watering days. These cycles are:
• Ev = Waters only on even-numbered days of the month.
• Od = Waters only on odd-numbered days of the month.
Ec Controller
Ec Controller
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• Od31 = Waters only on odd-numbered days of the month,
but not on the 31st of any month or on February 29. (This
watering day cycle complies with special ordinances in
some water-restricted areas).
4. In the Program Start Times box for program A, write the time
you want the program to begin watering. You may assign up
to four start times to each program. If you want the program
to water only once each watering day, enter only one start
time. Enter other start times only if you want to repeat the
entire program more than once each watering day.
7. In the Run Time column for each program, enter the
number of minutes you want each station to run.
Notice that stations 1 through 4 are assigned to program A,
while stations 5 and 6 are assigned to program B.
The Ec allows you to use the same station in multiple
programs for special watering needs. However, for most
applications, choosing not to repeat a station makes
programming simpler.
NOTE: Any Water Budget setting applies to all
programs (A, B, and C).
5. Enter the start time(s) for program B (if any). In the example,
Program A begins watering at 7 a.m. Program B begins
watering twice each watering day, once at 5 a.m. (05:00)
and again at 3 p.m. (15:00)
NOTE: If the total run time for one program
overlaps the start time for a second program, the
controller will automatically “stack” the programs
and delay the start time of the second program
until the first program finishes watering.
6. Next to each station number, enter a brief description of the
area covered by each controller station. Remember, a
“station” is a set of sprinklers operated by one remote
control valve.
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Ec Controller
Ec Controller
11
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROLLER
Set Year
Erase Any Existing Programming
1. Turn the programming dial to the DATE/TIME position.
DIAGRAM 5
After you finish filling out the Programming Chart, you are
ready to begin programming the controller.
When you program the controller for the first time, it is a good
idea to use the Program Erase feature to erase any existing
programming which may be in the controller’s memory. You
may also use Program Erase any time you want to erase all
programming and “start from scratch.”
1. Remove the controller’s lower access cover.
2. Locate the small recessed compartment on the right side of
the controller’s front panel. To erase all programming, reach
into this compartment with a small flathead screwdriver and
momentarily connect the two small silver contacts in the
bottom of the recess.
3. When the display goes blank, remove the screwdriver
from the contacts. The time “AM 12:00”(00:00 in 230V
versions) will blink in the display. All previous
programming is now erased, and you may turn the
programming dial to the DATE/TIME position and begin
setting the Year, Month, Day, and Time.
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DIAGRAM 6
2. The figure “1998” appears in the display window.
3. Press + or - to set the current year (between 1998 and
2098).
4. Press ENTER.
NOTE: The Ec is year-2000 compliant and will
maintain the proper calendar through the year
2098.
Set Month and Day
DIAGRAM 7
1. After setting the correct year, leave the programming dial on
DATE/TIME.
2. The month and day appear as “01 01,” with the first “01”
flashing (representing the month). A cursor will appear
under the SET MONTH icon.
3. Press + or - to set the current month (1 through 12).
Ec Controller
NOTE: In 230 V models, the first flashing “01”
represents the day. You will set the day first, and
then the current month.
4. Press ENTER.
5. The second “01” begins flashing (representing the day of
the month). A cursor will appear under the SET DAY icon.
6. Press + or - to set the current day
(1 through 31).
7. Press ENTER.
Set Time
DIAGRAM 8
1. After setting the correct month and date, leave the
programming dial on DATE/TIME.
2. The time of day appears. In 117 Volt models, the
display will show AM or PM (for example, 12:01 AM).
In 230 Volt models, the time appears in 24-hour format, (for
example 14:01), and the display will not show AM or PM.
A cursor will appear under the SET TIME icon.
3. Press + or - to set the current hour (1 through 12 AM or
PM, or 00:00 through 23:00).
Ec Controller
4. Press ENTER.
5. The minute digits begin flashing.
6. Press + or - to set the current minute
(1 through 59).
7. Press ENTER.
Select Pre-Set Schedules
DIAGRAM 9
Use this procedure if you want to select a pre-set schedule. If
you want to set your own custom watering schedule, go
directly to “Select Program (A, B, and/or C).”
For your convenience, the Ec has three pre-set watering
schedules you can select on any program (A, B, or C).
• 5 Pr E1 — Waters all stations for five minutes every
day at 6 a.m. (06:00), 10 a.m. (10:00), and 2 p.m.
(14:00).
• 10 Pr E2 — Waters all stations for ten minutes every
other day at 6 a.m. (06:00).
• 10 Pr E3 — Waters all stations for ten minutes every third
day at 6 a.m. (06:00).
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1. Turn the programming dial to PRESET SCHEDULES.
2. The first pre-set schedule (5 Pr E1) appears in the display.
3. To select one of the other pre-set schedules, press + or until the desired schedule appears in the display.
4. Press the PROGRAM button until the desired program letter
(A, B, or C) appears in the display with the pre-set
schedule.
5. Then press ENTER. The program letter flashes to confirm
your selection.
After selecting a pre-set schedule, you can modify the
program settings (watering day, start time, etc.) by using the
programming steps given on the following pages. If you
modify a pre-set schedule, you will not see “Blank” or
“Default” settings as described throughout the manual.
6. After setting the desired preset schedule, turn the
programming dial back to AUTO.
Select Program (A, B, and/or C)
DIAGRAM 10
1. Turn the programming dial to DAY CYCLE.
2. The letter of the currently selected program (A, B, or C)
appears in the display.
3. Press the PROGRAM button until the desired program (A,
B, or C) appears in the display. Remember, if you plan to
use only one program, use program A.
NOTE: It is easier to select one program (A, B, or
C) and program it completely before moving on to
the next program. Switching from program to
program can be confusing.
Set Watering Day Cycle
DIAGRAM 11
1. Make sure the programming dial is on DAY CYCLE.
2. Press + or - until the watering day cycle you want to use
appears in the display along with the selected
program (A, B, or C). Available watering day cycles include:
• 1 through 6 — Waters once every one to six days.
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Ec Controller
• 7-day (Custom) — Waters on a weekly cycle; any day of
the week can be a watering day.
• Ev — Waters only on even-numbered days.
• Od — Waters only on odd-numbered days.
• Od31 — Waters only on odd-numbered days, except the
31st of any month and February 29th.
3. If you select a 7-day, or a 1- through 6-day watering cycle,
go to “Set Watering Days.”
NOTE: If you select Ev, Od, or Od31 as your
watering day cycle, you do not have to set watering
days. Go directly to “Set Program Start Time(s)” on
p. 16.
Set Watering Days
DIAGRAM 12
Use the procedures below to set watering days for a 7-day, or a
1- through 6-day watering cycle.
7-Day Watering Cycle
1. Turn the programming dial to WATER DAY.
Ec Controller
2. If you selected a 7-day watering cycle, the seven weekdays
appear as a row of numbers and the number “1” in the day
cycle flashes.
3. The display shows the program’s letter (A, B, or C).
4. A number appears, indicating the “today” number. The
day’s abbreviation also appears in the display.
5. Press + or - to turn a particular watering day ON or OFF.
An ON day has a box around it. An OFF day has no box
around it.
6. Press ENTER to move to the next day.
7. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for each day.
1- to 6-Day Watering Cycle
DIAGRAM 13
1. Turn the programming dial to WATER DAY.
2. If you selected a 1- to 6-day watering cycle, the row of days
in that cycle appears in the display with a box around day 1.
The only watering day in a 1- to 6-day cycle is day 1.
3. The display shows the program’s letter (A, B, or C).
4. A flashing number appears in the display, indicating where
“today” is in the watering cycle.
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5. Press + or - to move today’s position in the watering cycle.
Set Program Start Time(s)
DIAGRAM 14
1. Turn the programming dial to PRGM START TIME.
2. The program letter (A, B, or C), the number “1” (indicating
the earliest start time), and a row of four dashes
“—.—.—.—“ appear in the display.
3. Press + or - to set the program start time. A program can
begin watering at any minute of the day or night. If you want
all the stations on the program to run only once each
watering day, enter only one start time for the program.
4. To enter another start time, press ENTER. The next start
time number (2, 3, or 4) and the row of four dashes appear
in the display. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to set up to four
separate start times for each program, if needed.
NOTE: If you selected one of the pre-set
schedules, you will see the default start time(s) for
that schedule.
Delete Program Start Time(s)
DIAGRAM 15
1. If you want to delete an unwanted start time from a program,
turn the programming dial to PRGM START TIME.
2. Press ENTER to select the start time number (1, 2, 3, or 4)
you want to delete.
NOTE: Start times appear in chronological order.
The earliest start time is number 1, the next later
start time is number 2, and so on. If you delete a
start time, all later start times are automatically
advanced by one start time number. This renumbering only occurs after you move the
programming dial from the PRGM START TIME
position to another function.
3. The start time number to be deleted appears in the display.
4. Press + or - until the blank position (four dashes,
“—.—.—.—“) appears in the display. The blank position
is located between 11:59 p.m. (23:59) and 12:00 a.m.
(00:00).
5. Turn the programming dial back to the AUTO position. The
unwanted start time is now deleted.
16
Ec Controller
Set Station Run Times
DIAGRAM 16
1. Turn the programming dial to STATION RUN TIME.
2. The program letter (A, B, or C), the number “1” (indicating
the station number), and “0 00” appear in the display.
3. Press + or - to set the run time for station number 1. You
can set a station to run from 0 minutes up to 240 minutes
(four hours), in one-minute increments. All run times
display in minutes (for example, a two hour run time will
appear as 120 minutes).
NOTE: If you do not want to include a particular
station in the selected program, set that station’s
run time to zero (0 00).
4. Press ENTER to display additional stations. Repeat steps 3
and 4 to set a run time for each station.
You have now completed all programming steps for one
program. If you are finished programming, turn the
programming dial to the AUTO position to run all programs
automatically. If you want to enter settings for another program,
repeat the programming instructions, beginning with “Select
Program (A, B, and/or C)” on p. 14.
Ec Controller
OPERATING THE CONTROLLER
After programming the controller, you will normally set it to
AUTO mode to operate all programs automatically. You can
manually run one or more programs, or manually run a single
station or several stations.
In addition, you can adjust the Water Budget to increase or
decrease the run time of all programs by a selected percentage
(in 10% increments). You may also wish to run a test program
to make sure all sprinklers in the system operate properly.
Off Mode
DIAGRAM 17
1. To turn the controller off and suspend all watering, turn the
programming dial to OFF.
2. In the OFF position, the LCD displays “OFF.” The
controller remembers the current time and date and retains
all programming, but no watering occurs. You may wish to
turn the controller off during a rainy period, or for any day(s)
when you do not want watering programs to run as
scheduled.
17
Auto Mode
DIAGRAM 18 & 19
1. To return the controller to automatic operation, turn the
programming dial to AUTO.
2. When the controller is NOT watering, it displays:
• Any program (A, B, C, or none) scheduled to water today
• The current time
• %A %B %C, if there is a water budget setting other than
100%
3. When the controller IS watering, it displays:
• The program that is running
• The station number currently running
• The watering time remaining for that station
• %A %B %C, if there is a water budget setting other than
100%
18
Adjust Water Budget
DIAGRAM 20 & 21
Adjusting the Water Budget feature is the easiest way to
increase or decrease the run times of all stations on a program.
You can use Water Budget to decrease watering during cool
winter months, or to increase watering during hot, dry periods.
You can set the Water Budget percentage from 10% to 200%
(all station run times doubled), in increments of 10%.
Changing the Water Budget percentage affects all stations
on all three programs (A, B, and C).
Water Budget percentages are calculated on the normal
programmed run time for each station. For example, if a station
is programmed to run for 10 minutes, and you set the Water
Budget to 80%, the station will only run for 8 minutes (80% of
10 minutes). If you set the Water Budget to 120%, that same
station will run for 12 minutes (120% of 10 minutes).
NOTE: Water Budget will not split a minute. One
whole minute is the lowest run time allowed.
1. Turn the programming dial to WATER BUDGET.
2. The number “100” appears in the display. This indicates
that all stations are running at 100% of their programmed
watering time.
Ec Controller
3. Press + to increase the Water Budget percentage, or press to decrease the Water Budget percentage.
4. When the Water Budget percentage is set to any figure other
than 100, all programs (A, B, and C) display a percent sign
(%) in front of the program letter.
5. After setting the Water Budget percentage, turn the
programming dial back to AUTO. All station run times will
be increased or decreased by the selected Water Budget
percentage.
Manually Run Stations and
Programs
DIAGRAM 22 & 23
You can manually run individual stations if you think a
particular area needs additional watering.
You can also run an entire program manually. Each station
assigned to the program will run for its allotted time.
Manually Run a Station(s)
1. Turn the programming dial to MANUAL STATION.
2. The number “1” followed by “0 00” appears in the display.
This means that station number 1 is set for zero manual run
time.
Ec Controller
3. If you want to manually run a station other than number 1,
press ENTER until the desired station number appears in
the display.
4. If you want to manually run the displayed station, press +
or - to set the station’s manual run time (from one minute
to four hours).
5. Press ENTER to begin watering.
NOTE: You can “stack” higher numbered stations
to operate manually by pressing ENTER after
setting the run time for each station. Stacked
stations will run in consecutive order, even if they
are stacked in a different order (i.e., a lower
numbered station will not run if it is stacked after a
higher numbered station).
6. After setting the manual run time for all stations desired,
turn the programming dial back to AUTO. The number of
the first manually operated station appears in the display,
along with its remaining run time. You can press ENTER to
manually advance to the next station
When manual operation finishes, the controller returns to
AUTO mode and awaits the next scheduled program start time.
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Manually Run a Program
DIAGRAM 24
1. Turn the programming dial to MANUAL CYCLE.
2. Program A appears in the display.
NOTE: Water budgeting does apply to manually
operated programs.
After the last manual program runs, the controller returns to
AUTO mode and awaits the next scheduled program start time.
3. To choose another program, press the PROGRAM button
(ABC) until the desired program letter appears in the
display.
NOTES: Manually operating a station does not
affect the station’s run time(s) in the automatic
programs (A, B, or C).
4. Press ENTER to start the selected program.
Manual operation cancels the operation of any
automatic program in progress. Also, Water
Budgeting does not affect manually operated
stations.
NOTES: You can “stack” two or three programs to
operate manually by pressing ENTER after
selecting each program.
The controller runs stacked programs in order (A,
then B, then C), no matter in which order you stack
them. For example, if you start program B, then
stack program C, then program A, the controller
will finish B, and then run A, and finally C.
5. Turn the programming dial back to AUTO. The letter of the
manually operating program (A, B, or C) appears in the
display. Any “stacked” programs flash until their turn to
run.
20
Run a Test Program
DIAGRAM 25
The controller’s built-in test program will run each station that
has a non-zero watering time. When you run the test program,
the controller operates each station in numerical sequence,
from lowest to highest. You can use this feature to check the
operation of all sprinklers in the system.
1. To test all controller stations, turn the programming dial to
TEST.
Ec Controller
NOTE: If you want to test only one (or more)
stations, follow the procedure in “Manually Run a
Station(s)” on p. 19.
2. The number “2” appears in the display, representing a twominute test run per station.
3. Press + or - to increase or decrease the test run time. You
can set the test run time anywhere between 1 and 10
minutes. Each station will run for the time you set here.
4. Press ENTER to start the all-stations test.
5. Then turn the programming dial back to the AUTO position.
During the test, the number of each operating station appears in
the display, along with the station’s remaining run time. Any
station set for zero run time in all of the automatic programs
(A, B, or C) will be skipped in the all-stations test.
NOTE: At any time during the all-stations test, you
can press ENTER to manually advance to the next
station.
When the all-stations test is complete, the controller returns to
AUTO mode and awaits the next scheduled program start time.
Ec Controller
INSTALLING THE CONTROLLER
Although this manual provides directions for connecting the
wiring to the controller, local electrical codes may vary in their
requirements for proper and safe installation.
NOTE: This controller must be installed in full
compliance with local electrical codes.
The Ec controller must be installed indoors only.
Choose a Proper Location
Choose a secure location where you can easily reach the
controller. We recommend mounting the controller at eye level
in a utility room (garage, laundry room, etc.).
1. The mounting location must be within 5 feet (1,5m) of the
electrical wall outlet.
NOTE: To minimize electrical interference, select a
location at least 15 feet (4,6 m) away from highdraw motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators,
or pool pumps.
2. When selecting a location, choose a flat, stable vertical
surface to mount the controller on. Allow enough clearance
for electrical conduit and connections at the bottom of the
controller case.
21
Mount the Controller
DIAGRAM 26
1. Hold the provided template against the wall in the desired
mounting location. Use a pencil to mark the location of the
three holes for the mounting fasteners, as shown on the
template.
2. Use a nail to tap a small pilot hole on each pencil mark for
the mounting fasteners. Using the mounting fasteners
provided, drive the top two fasteners into the wall.
3. Use the keyhole-shaped slots on the back of the controller
to hang the controller on the two mounting fasteners. Make
sure the shafts of the fasteners are well up into the narrow
part of the keyhole slot.
4. Remove the lower access cover and drive the third
mounting fastener through the hole in the controller’s lower
access panel.
Connect Main Power Wires
DIAGRAM 27
The Ec controller has an external transformer that reduces
standard supply voltage to 24 VAC to operate the remote valves
connected to the controller.
22
CAUTION: To avoid electrical shock, DO NOT
plug in the transformer until you have connected it
to the controller.
To connect the transformer cable to the terminal strip in the
controller cabinet:
1. Make sure the transformer is NOT plugged in.
2. Plug the snap-on connector on the transformer cable into
the “24VAC” connection point on the controller terminal
strip.
3. Plug the transformer into any standard, three-prong 117
VAC grounded wall plug. For 230V versions, attach an
appropriate plug and plug in the transformer to a
230VAC power source.
Connect Field Wires to Remote
Control Valves
DIAGRAM 28
The wires coming back to the controller from the electric valves
in the field can be routed into the controller through the hole in
the bottom of the cabinet.
Ec Controller
This illustration shows the various wire runs and connections
between the controller and the other devices. Each valve should
have its own, separate power wire. Use only wire that is codeapproved for underground, low-voltage purposes.
5. That completes the mounting and wiring procedures for
your Ec controller. Replace the lower access cover on the
controller, and you are ready to begin programming. Refer
to “Programming the Controller” on p. 12.
1. Connect one end of the power wire to a numbered station
terminal on the controller’s terminal strip. Connect the other
end of the power wire to one of the wire leads on the valve
solenoid. The wire connectors at the valves must be
waterproof.
2. Connect the valve common wire to the “COM” terminal on
the terminal strip. Route the common wire out to the furthest
valve, and connect the valve common wire to the remaining
wire lead on each valve.
3. If your system includes a master valve on its main line
supply, or a 24-volt pump start relay (for activating a pump
during irrigation), connect a wire from the device to the
“MV” terminal on the controller terminal strip.
4. Connect the other wire lead on the device to the valve
common wire.
NOTE: The controller does not provide the main
power for a pump.
Ec Controller
23
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTION
LCD display is blank.
1.
Power is off to the controller.
Re-establish power to the controller. If the
current time is not shown, or your program
is no longer in memory, reprogram the
controller.
2.
If under battery power, the
controller may be in “sleep”
mode.
Press any button to reactivate the controller.
3.
An electrical surge or
lightning strike may have
affected the controller’s
electronics.
Turn off the controller and disconnect the 9Volt battery. Let the controller sit for two or
three minutes. Then reconnect the battery
and restore power to the controller. Reset
the date and time as described beginning
on p. 12.
LCD display is partially or
completely blank.
If the electrical surge did no permanent
damage, the controller will accept
programm ing commands and function
normally. If the controller does not operate
properly, contact Rain Bird Technical
Assistance at 800-247-3782. In Europe, or
outside the United Staes call your Rain Bird
dealer.
Display shows a station
operating, but no watering
occurs.
24
4.
The valve may have a
defective diaphragm, a
clogged pilot port, or other
malfunction.
Check and repair the valve.
Ec Controller
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTION
Program does not begin watering
as scheduled.
5.
Programming dial is set to the
OFF position.
Set the programming dial to AUTO.
6.
Start time has not been
properly entered for the
program.
Turn the dial to PRGM START TIME and
check the start times entered for the
program. If the start time is missing or
incorrect, enter it as described on p. 16.
7.
Today may not be set as a
watering day for the program.
If today is a watering day for a program, the
program letter appears in the display. Turn
the dial to WATER DAY to check the
watering days for the program. If necessary,
set watering days as described on p. 15.
8.
Water supply may be shut off.
Make sure water supply line has pressure.
9.
No run time has been set for
the station.
Turn the programming dial to STATION RUN
TIME to check the run times set for the
station. To add a run time, see p. 17.
A particular station does not
come on as scheduled.
10. A short circuit in the solenoid
or valve wiring has disabled
the station.
Ec Controller
Identify and repair the fault in the electrical
circuit.
25
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTION
11. A start time has not been
entered for the station’s
assigned program.
Turn the dial to PRGM START TIME and
check the start times entered for the
program. If the station’s start time is
missing, enter it as described on p.16.
Watering starts when it should
not.
12. An unwanted program start
time may have been entered.
Turn the dial to PRGM START TIME and
check to see if any programs have an
unwanted start time. See the instructions
beginning on p. 16 for setting and deleting
start times.
Watering does not stop as
scheduled.
13. Programs may have
accidentally been set to
overlap.
Check to see if another program’s start time
began during the previous program’s run
cycle. The overlapped program would
immediately follow the earlier one.
Reprogram if necessary.
14. A valve is stuck in the open
position.
Turn the programming dial to OFF and wait
10-20 seconds. If the irrigation does not
stop, shut off the valve manually and repair
the valve.
26
Ec Controller
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
LCD display shows “Err.”
15. The automatic circuit
breaker has detected an
electrical problem.
CORRECTION
The “Err” in the display indicates a short
circuit or electrical overload on a
particular station. The station’s number
should also be displayed. For example,
“2 Err” means the problem is in the
circuit for Station 2.
Usually, the short circuit is in the
solenoid on the electric valve, but shorts
can also occur in the wire connectors at
the valve. Occasionally, nicked or
“skinned” field wires can cause a short.
A large pump start relay can also
produce a momentary overload that may
be detected by the controller.
Locate and repair the cause of the short
circuit. See “Diagnostic Circuit Breaker”
on p. 6 for instructions on clearing the
problem indicator from the display and
testing the station.
LCD display shows “Err” for a
few seconds and then shows
the station operating for a few
seconds.
Ec Controller
16. Same as Cause #15.
See correction for Cause #15.
27
Notes
28
Ec Controller